Strawberries in Winter? Your Out-of-Season Produce Guide

Everyone loves sweet treats like strawberries and blueberries, but when they're not at their peak, is it worth spending the money on fruit that's been flown in from thousands of miles away?

We broke it down for you, fruit by fruit:

Strawberries: This time of year, you’re paying a premium for strawberries that are flown in from overseas — leaving a huge carbon footprint as well as possible health risks, since some of these countries may not have the same regulations that we do here in the United States.

Your best bet: Go frozen until local blueberries are available. But once they are, focus on local sources and sustainably grown blueberries, says Susan Fisher, professor of foods and nutrition at Meredith College in Raleigh, N.C.

“The case for blueberries is interesting in that in N.C., as in many areas, if native species are being selected, they flourish with no need for any [pesticide] spraying at all,” she says. Also keep in mind that berries freeze very well, so when seasonal abundance is at a high, buy a bunch and freeze them to use in the off-season when local produce is MIA.

Your best bet: Eat up. With April inching closer, many citrus fruits are already available within the United States, says Cassie Vanderwall, registered dietician and nutrition consultant in the Nutrition and Wellness Center at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.

In the next month, the produce department at your local supermarket will come alive: Look for asparagus, onions and greens to hit shelves soon — at affordable prices.